Federal officials announced on Tuesday that the U.S. government will pay Moderna $176 million to develop a pandemic vaccine aimed at treating bird flu in humans, as cases continue to increase in dairy cows across the country. The funds, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will support the ongoing development of a vaccine using mRNA technology, similar to that used in COVID-19 vaccines.
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), which focuses on medical treatments for potential pandemics, awarded the funds. Moderna will use the money to conduct trials testing the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, preparing for a possible large-scale response to a bird flu pandemic.
The H5N1 virus was detected in dairy cows earlier this year and has since spread to over 135 herds in 12 states. So far, three people have been infected, all experiencing mild cases. Federal health officials emphasize that the risk to the general population remains low.
